Requested by Rprudlick
*
You attempted to catch your breath, finally slowing down as you attempted to mix in with the other people. You still glanced around frantically, trying to spot anyone who seemed out of place.
You were on edge. Some of the Hydra agents and guards had a convenient logo and a uniform on them, being a beacon for you, though there were definitely more out there, blending in like you. The only bad thing was that they knew how you looked like, and you didn't how they did.
Just when you thought the air was clear, someone grabbed your arm and started dragging you toward a suspicious black van from which you knew you wouldn't be able to come out of. Luckily there weren't any civilians too close to you at the moment, giving you a free pass to fight back.
Your hand came down and back up again, forcing a piece of the ground to come up, penetrating the agent. He let go, and as soon as you were free you started running. People started screaming, each taking off in their own direction, now making you exposed as there was no one around except you and Hydra.
You cursed under your breath, unable to see an escape route that would end in you actually being able to lose them. You stood your ground, deciding to face them dead on. You calculated the pros and cons- you were surrounded, but they needed you around, which doesn't mean they can't hurt you really, really bad. The good thing was that there were two fire hydrants in your reach, adding another advantage for you.
You were pushed to the middle of the street opening, a wall of guards blocking both ways.
Now or never.
The guards charged, opening fire with what you could only assume were tranq darts, meaning bad news. It was one thing to get shot, and another being drugged. You could handle the pain, but couldn't fight the sedative.
Before they could hit you, you formed a dome around yourself, bending the air. The darts fell to the ground, and you used them yourself, lifting them and sending them firing back at them. A few hit, but not enough.
Agents started descending from buildings, attacking from above. The two hydrants came in handy as they burst from the pressure you created, the water floating from them like snakes.
You heard a sound approach from the distance, but couldn't lose focus, wrapping the water around a few targets. The sound came closer, and soon there were smaller explosions hitting the other guards that were left on the ground.
Your eyes wandered up, landing on a figure that reflected red and gold. There was another sound to your right, sparks flying from the source, a fire like ring forming out of nowhere. out of the ring flew a man, a red cloak waving behind him.
You saw him and Ironman exchange looks, meaning he was one of the good guys. You did exactly what you tried to avoid- you got distracted. You heard a shot, your head whipping in the direction just in time to see the dart flying toward you.
Right before it hit your body, an orange shield protected you. You got your head back in the game, creating a cave in, the middle of the street falling beneath a few of the guards' feet.
There didn't seem to be an end, another two replacing each fallen agent or guard.
You were giving it your all- so did Ironman and his ally. Fire shot from your hand, cooking the enemy that got too close for your liking. The arm you used was covered in burn mark, seeming to cause the ally's eyes to linger on it.
You were all being overwhelmed, and just when you thought you were doomed more familiar faces started to appear.
Hawkeye and Black Widow came from the shadows, along with a shield that hit an enemy in the face and bounced right back to its owner- Captain America himself. There wasn't any sign of The Hulk or Thor showing up, but just with the extra help of the three, you were able to send them running as their endless supply of soldiers ran out.
The dust settled, revealing the many unconscious Hydra agents all around the floor. All of the present Avengers gathered around you, quickly causing your anxiety levels to rise. You knew they were the good guys, but you were still afraid from instinct.
Hawkeye and Ironman were both aiming at you, only adding to the fear factor. Black Widow and Captain America only had confused and intrigued looks, and the man you couldn't recognize held an oddly sympathetic one.
"Who are you, and why is Hydra after you?" Steve questioned in an authoritative tone that you didn't like at all. Too demanding, just like the one they always used.
"Please, just let me go..." You managed to speak through your panic, not liking the situation you were in. "Gentlemen, please- you're scaring him. There's no need for this." The unknown man said, referring to the blaster and an arrow being pointed at you.
The two shared a look, hesitantly lowering their weapons. The man with a cloak stepped closer, speaking with a calm tone. "I'm Doctor Stephen Strange. Please excuse my...colleagues." He half glared at the two who just shrugged.
He motioned for you to follow him, which you did with just slight hesitation, liking him way more than the others. "I'm sorry about that. They're not too good at reading people." He said with a slightly angered tone.
"I-It's fine..." You mumbled, subconsciously feeling over your burned hand with your healthy one. Stephen's eyes wandered to it, and you could tell he was interested. But to your surprise he didn't say anything, only lifting his scarred hands and showing them to you.
Your looked changed, meeting his eyes.
"Guess we have something in common." He said, smiling very softly. "Yeah..." You added quietly, looking down. "Don't worry about them. We're all here to help. We just want to know why Hydra was after you." He asked way nicer than Captain America did before.
"I-I ran away...escaped..." You whispered, the memories stinging your mind. "You know...back at the tower we have another one who survived Hydra. Maybe he could help you with...well, if you'd need to talk to someone who understands." He offered.
You thought about it, weighing your options. You didn't have anywhere to stay, and having someone who could understand...
"That sounds...very nice." You said, accepting the offer. You got a nod from Stephen in return, along with a smile that made your cheeks warm up. "Alright then. Welcome to the Avengers tower." He said, creating another one of the portals he first came through and lead you through it.
With that step, a new chapter began in your life, and you had a feeling it was the first good one.
*
Phew. Here we go! I hope you enjoyed it, and you can expect another chapter tomorrow.
